Street Co-Named for Dominican Day Parade Founder Miguel Amaro

MANHATTAN — Dominican Day Parade founder Miguel Amaro dedicated his life to the people of Upper Manhattan.

Now those who he toiled so hard to serve will have a constant reminder of his life's work as the corner of Audubon Avenue and 190th Street was co-named for him Saturday - a week ahead of this year's parade.

"Miguel Amaro's influence extends into every corner of the neighborhood. It's not just because of the Dominican Day Parade; he worked hard to build up pride and respect within both the Dominican community and Northern Manhattan as a whole," said City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez.

"When our young people walk by the sign for 'Miguel Amaro Way', they're going to know that there's someone who once stood in their shoes, and went on to become a great leader and community member."

Miguel Amaro at the first Dominican Day Parade in 1982 (standing to the left of the police officer). He was the founder of the event.View Full Caption

Facebook/Miguel Amaro Foundation

Amaro, who died in a car accident at the age of 40 in 1987, founded the Dominican Day Parade in 1982.

Aside from the parade, Amaro organized the Washington Heights Dominicanos, which helped promote Dominican values, put on cultural block parties and put out a youth paper called "Dominican Youth in Action."

“Miguel Amaro lived his life with great passion and a love for public service," said state Sen. Adriano Espaillat.

"Renaming the street after him will be a reminder to all of us about the need to work selflessly and accomplish great things together. This is not just an honor for the Amaro family, but a credit to our entire community in Northern Manhattan.”

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